Three-star DE Javeon Campbell commits to Kentucky

Kentucky has landed a big-time player from inside its borders. Frankfort (Ky.) Western Hills three-star defensive end Javeon Campbell has committed to the Wildcats.

Campbell is the 15th commitment for Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class. He joins four-star defensive end Cedric Works and three-star Nicholas Smith as defensive ends in this class.

The Wildcats are quietly building a very good 2025 class. One thing that always helps is having a versatile defensive lineman like Campbell. He’s got the size (6-6, 230) and speed combination to play in pass rush situations immediately. But Campbell could also continue adding weight and play more of a true EDGE type role.

That type of position versatility is like gold in the SEC. It’s also nice for coach Mark Stoops and Vince Morrow to keep the best players in the state home to play for Kentucky. Beating out Alabama for a sought-after recruit is a nice cherry on top.

The Wildcats are getting a player with a ton of upside. Campbell didn’t play football until his junior year of high school. However, he made an immediate impact on the field. Campbell posted 14.5 sacks last season despite still learning the finer technical points of the game.

“Obviously if Javeon were to be in this year's NFL combine he would have been in the top five in every category of the measurables at his position,” says Western Hills head coach Simon VanderPool.

“However, the best characteristic about Javeon is how coachable he is. Javeon has only been playing football for a year and has much to learn and grow in. However, one day will get to his fullest potential due to how coachable he is. Javeon is long, athletic and explosive. He is exactly what you look for in a SEC defensive linemen.